The Georgia Tech Library today announced John Mack Freeman will assume the title of Assistant Dean for Interdisciplinary Initiatives and Director of Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons.

Freeman, who has been with the Library since 2021, is Head of Public Services. He will now also help coordinate both the Library buildings and Clough’s in-person user experience, including identifying opportunities for student-focused interdisciplinary initiatives that enhance the undergraduate learning experience.

“We are excited to bring Mack’s experience and expertise to bear on the interrelated user experiences of the Library and Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons,” said Library Dean Leslie Sharp. “His proven record of success in Library projects promises great things moving forward.”

In this role, Freeman will:

• Coordinate consistent, high-quality service delivery throughout the Library complex
• Take a lead role in moving Clough towards unlocking its full potential as a contemporary and alive interdisciplinary undergraduate learning commons;
• Provide a home in the Library for interdisciplinary initiatives focused on relieving the costs of higher education on students;
• Engage with faculty, and
• Integrate the Library into the academic and research mission of Georgia Tech.

Freeman will continue to report to Associate Dean for Content, Access, and User Services Karen Glover.  In his leadership capacity with Clough Commons , he will also have a dual line of reporting to Dr. Steven Girardot, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. 

“Mack’s appointment as the inaugural director of Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons marks a pivotal moment in the building’s history and evolution,” said Girardot.  “I am confident that with his leadership, and in collaboration with our academic partners, we will realize its full potential as a vibrant hub of undergraduate learning, ensuring that every student has the academic support and resources they need to succeed.” 

Freeman will serve on the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) leadership team and co-chair the Clough Academic Partners group, which includes Academic Success and Advising (ASA), the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), The Office of Experiential and Engaged Learning (E2L), the Naugle Communication Center, and the College of Sciences.

Freeman was a 2015 American Library Association Emerging Leader and a 2021 recipient of the Georgia Library Association’s McJenkin-Rheay Award. His research interests include library services to traditionally under-served populations, privacy and surveillance in library spaces, the intersection of libraries and public policy, staff development, and equipment lending in libraries.